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Osteoid Osteoma in Children Younger than 3 Years of Age
Nikolaos Laliotis1, Chrysanthos Chrysanthou1, Panagiotis Konstantinidis1
1Interbalkan Medical Center, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Insights
This study highlights osteoid osteoma in children under three years old, focusing on lower limb cases. Early diagnosis and treatment, including surgical excision and radiofrequency ablation, led to successful outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Skeletal Radiology
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor typically affecting adolescents and young adults.
- Diagnosis and management in very young children (under 3 years) present unique challenges due to subtle symptoms and smaller anatomy.
Abstract:
We present a case series of four children, younger than 3 years old, with osteoid osteoma of the lower limb. Pain and limping were the main symptoms. With careful clinical examination, we could localize the affected area. Radiological evaluation revealed cortical thickening in 3 children. On MRI examination, we found extensive edema, with normal bony cortices. The central nidus was found in 3 children. CT scan was the most accurate examination which revealed the central nidus with surrounding sclerosis. Bone scans had positive uptake in the affected area. Our patients were treated with an intralesional excision biopsy, with simultaneous radiofrequency ablation in those affected in the femur. Pathological specimens confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. There was uneventful recovery of our patients. This case series contributes to the limited description of osteoid osteoma diagnosed and treated in very young children.
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